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Friday, July 29, 2011

Friday 5

1. Sweet Secrets


Ladies of the 80s, ya'll remember these!? Thanks to Pinterest, I've rekindled my love for this little gems. I know I had them... just gotta dig around and revive these for my bookshelf!

Which leads to me...



This site is like a grown-up way to make collages and share them with people. Ever since I found their app for the iPhone, I've been building boards and scooping out others. If you're on Pinterest, feel free to follow me @ http://pinterest.com/houseofjeffers/

3. Remembering Amy Winehouse


I was really bummed when I found out about her passing. While the media focused more about her downfalls, I hope people will focus more for her amazing soulful voice and talent rather than her weaknesses. I've always been a huge fan of hers, and will remember Amy for the music she made, and not the drama that surrounded her.

4. Haus of Price Megabootie 2.0


File this under my Christmas Wish list...

5. My readers


Thank you to anyone and everyone who continues to read House Of Jeffers! I appreciate you for following the blog, keeping up with me on Twitter and for your comments! Kudos for letting me rant and for actually reading because with ya'll, I wouldn't be able to do what I do! 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

70s Fashion Icons That Still Rock!

Music is a huge influence on my style. And while we've got Lady Gaga, Madonna and Gwen Stefani who have become some of biggest fashion icons in music today, I find the ladies of the 70s got it right.

These ladies had killer dos and of course, knew how to sing with style. Even today, a lot of fashion emulates the 70s, and I can't help but think these women had something to do with it. I definitely draw inspiration from each of them.

Debbie Harry

 

What: Lead singer of Blondie.
Why her style rocks: Ms. Harry was the ultimate fem punk rock gal of the 70s, mixing gritty glam rock with a dash of sexy streetwise style. 
Signature look: Punk rock glam.

Cher



What: Was married to Sonny Bono, a la Sonny & Cher. Wore some crazy ass ish.
Why her style rocks: As much as her voice is unique, Cher was never afraid to wear over-the-top costumes and experiment with style. 
Signature looks: Her dark black hair and winged out eyeliner combined with variety show costumes and that weird outfit she wore in the "If I Could Turn Back Time Video". And she's got an ass tattoo.


Stevie Nicks

 stevie nicks in a hat

What: Singer of Fleetwood Mac
Why her style rocks: This songbird with an affliction for the magical and mythical rocked 70s platforms and bohemian flowy frocks like it was her job. Just consider her the good witch of boho/gypsy.
Signature looks: Gold dust woman.

Diana Ross


What: Singer of The Supremes, was also in the movies The Wiz and Mahogany. Oh, and she touched Lil Kim's boob at the VMA awards in 1999.
Why her style rocks: From show-stopping gowns during her time in The Supremes, to her mod style in the 60s and disco in the 70s, Diana Ross pulled it all off.
Signature look: Huge hair and over the top Hollywood glamour.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Women's Mafia Fashionable Fridays: Beauty & Style Gifting Event


On Friday, I battled the 101 heat weather and headed into NYC to meet the lovely ladies of the NYC Fashion Meetup Group for the Women's Mafia Fashionable Fridays: Beauty & Style Gifting Event held at Arrojo Studio in Soho.

The event was one of the best I've attended, with lots of beauty, fashion, goodies and friends! The stylists at Arrojo Studio were on hand to cut, style and create updos or even touch up makeup. Being that I always wanted a fishtail braid, Gardner hooked me up with this fab do that kept me cool yet stylish! I left with a bag filled with products that I've already used. Even master stylist and Arrojo Studio founder, Nick Arrojo, was on hand working his craft.




Nick Arrojo tended to the tresses of his client during the event.
Some of the ladies indulged in a cut or updo...
Guests stepped in front of the camera of Pop-Up-Studio's backdrop to get wild and crazy! This idea is genius, and I wish I knew about it for my wedding!



Outfit:
Animal print dress - Bebe Outlet
Necklace - Mandee
Nail Polish - Forever 21's Love & Beauty in Tomato

The event also featured Lora Condon, author of "Spa Wars: The Ugly Truth About The Beauty Industry", reading excerpts. After hearing one of her gross-out stories of a less-than-pleasant experience, I'm eager to get started reading her book, which she signed for me!


One of my most favorite parts of the event was meeting jewelry designer J. Rudy Lewis. I'm a huge fan of the hand-crafted movement, especially jewelry, and his work was simply impressive! His pieces featured chunky metals, meticulously hand-crafted with gems, stones and even leather. The metal smith was generous to gift attendees with a piece of their own, and I can't wait to show you what I received!



Regardless of the killer weather, I'm so glad I made it out to the event and experienced some of the best in fashion and beauty!




Candy of Taylor & Demolish snapped photos of the event along with fellow blogger Nicole of Black Shoe Diaries.


Sahra of Effortless Cool and me


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Cheerio, Mate! - UK shopping tips for U.S. fashionistas



Until I met my husband, I was not a traveler. I’m deathly afraid of flying, but when your family lives across the pond, you suck it up and hope the 8 hours go by fast.

Throughout my visits to England, it has become one of my most favorite places ever. People are much more laid back and friendly, there’s an emphasis on quality, not quality like the products in the U.S., and their style and fashion leaves something to envy.

But even if you’re not taking a trip to the UK, you can still shop their style from the comfort of your own computer. Here are some of my tips on how to get more bang for your buck!

  1. Currency rates – This is the first thing to remember when shopping UK sites. Remember, the prices are listed in British pounds, and some sites don’t convert prices. Keeping track of currency conversion rates is key and important to know BEFORE you finalize your purchases. If they don’t convert the total in U.S. dollars, do it yourself as otherwise, you’ll get a nice surprise on your credit card bill.
For Mac users, you can find a handy widget for it already on your computer! Or, use http://www.xe.com/, which converts any monetary amount from any country!
  1. Change your shopping location – This seems like a no brainer, but people forget to do it. Ever go on a site, fill up our cart, and then realize you didn’t pick your location? I have – and I’ve been severely disappointed when it converted my total to American bucks. Do this first to avoid sulking later.  
  1. Size Guides are there for a reason. Use them! While you may be a size 6 shoe in the U.S., that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a 36. Every brand is different, so be sure to consult size charts before purchasing. The last thing you want to do is return your newly imported item. 
  1. Read customer reviews – Now that you’ve checked out the size guide, check out the reviews. Often, customers will say how something fit them, and give their own measures as a gauge on the fit. This is EXTREMELY helpful as you can compare your size to someone who may have similar measurements. Plus, postage for returns can be costly. While you may pay flat rate in the U.S. for returns, it may not apply for the UK, and sometimes can result in you paying more to return the item than what you paid.
Happy shopping!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Hot Hot Heat

New Jersey has been getting slammed with hot weather this summer. While it's my favorite time of year, when the temperatures are in the high 80s and 90s, it's unbearable. Usually I stay in or stick to indoor outings, but if I can find a super shady area in the park, I'll sit outside and read.

One of my favorite wardrobe pieces for summer are t-shirts. This tee from Urban Outfitters featuring a banged lady with the phrase "Koni-Chiwa" happens to be my favorite. It's a little faded, but the fit is perfect and the cotton is light enough that I don't get too hot.

Outfit:
Crewneck "Konichiwa" tee  - Urban Outfitters
Jersey skirt - Forever 21
Jeffrey Campbell T-strap Mary Janes - Urban Outfitters
Earrings - Forever 21
Leather cuff bracelet - Mandee



My read for the day was Kelly Cutrone's "If You Have To Cry Go Outside," complete with one of the edges eaten away a la my dog, Harley. Reading this book seems appropriate being that I'm now looking for a new job, and Cutrone's sarcastic nuggets of wisdom, sprinkled with unapologetic "tell-it-like-it-is" attitude, is motivating me to chase a career that I truly want instead of just settling.


My accessories might be a little frenetic for the day, but I just bought these earrings the day before, which I'm in love with! And the shoes -  Jeffrey Campbell oldies but goodies. While I might have been a little over accessorized, sometimes it's nice to just doll yourself up!

Glitter Heart Earrings - Forever 21 




Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Repunzel Betta Recognize... Braids That You (And She) Will Envy

When it comes to my hair, it's typically the same in same out every day - straight and worn down. I'm not really a hair up type of gal - I think I look too young when my hair is up. And honestly, what else can I do with my hair? It's heavy and doesn't curl very well so I just wear it the way it works best - straight.

But sometimes you gotta change it up, and for me, a quick and easy braid is where it's at.

While the traditional braid looks pretty, I feel it gets boring. I'm all about the fishtail and other dos that can be done quick and easily.

Check out some of these style inspirations for braids - with a modern twist!

Pretty Side French Braid Updo - via LoveMegan. Check out her blog for a video tutorial on how to create this look, and a bunch of others! Love her two-tone hair!


Fishtail Braid
Photo via http://www.hdofblog.com



Milkmaid Braids - Photo by Gracefullady- her blog features a tutorial! 


If a DIY braid isn't your thing, try a braided accessory! Or make your own!

True Blue Braided Headband by teecycledepot via Etsy


Great, economical tutorial for making your own 5-strand T-shirt braided headband! Visit Make It - Love It to learn how.



Monday, July 11, 2011

The Long and Short of Maxi Dresses

Outfit:
Maxi Dress - Forever 21
Gladiator Sandals - DSW
Necklace - Mandee
Shades - bought during my trip to Philly
Love Ring - Topshop

I've had this maxi dress stowed away in my closet for months and finally broke it out last Friday. Originally, it was way to long, but through the wonders of tailoring, it's the perfect length for my short stature.










To be honest, I don't know if I can sport maxis all the time... I'm short, and the length isn't doing much to elongate my body. However, the print is what drew me to the dress, along with the braided features along the neckline and straps. And really - it's hot out. Who wants to wear a long dress in when it's 80 degrees out? This is Jersey, people, not Miami beach. I'm thinking maxi dresses can be a tad much at times...

I'm glad I bought it, though. It's good for a night out or dinner with my Brit.... The verdict is still out on em for me. What's your thoughts on maxi dresses?