Madewell Spring 2013 Preview in Short Hills NJ

I had the pleasure of helping my local Madewell store (212) in Short Hills, New Jersey welcome in spring with the debut of their newest collection a couple weekends ago. Knowing the store already had plenty to tempt me with, including the brand-spanking new Addie sandals you might have seen on my Instagram account, I knew this collection would not disappoint.

Along with an influx of pastel neons, bold prints and a return to baby doll dresses in various fits and forms, I had the chance to mix and mingle with customers while playing dress up myself.

Check out some of my favorite selects from the event!

The softest racerback tanks - ever. Stocking up on color is a must for spring.

I ended up coming home with a few goodies myself, one of which was a new pair of denim.  The Skinny Skinny Ankle Jeans live up to their name - they're tight, hug your curves and my personal favorite, look like they're painted on.

Don't waste the pretty: 

If you're on the market for your next music festival dress, it's waiting for you at Madewell. So many textured prints, florals and stripes!

How adorable is this Spring Festival Necklace?!

Wardrobe Remix: Shopping for Printed Pants

Outfit Details:

Black Knit Top - Old Navy  / Heart Print Ankle Pants - H&M / Peep Toe Laser Cut Platform Heels  - Nine West (buy here) / Black and White Mod Satchel - Primark UK / Gold Stud Bangles - Forever 21 / 

Sorrelli Jewelry Peek-A-Boo Sparkle Cuff - c/o / Tortoise Shell Sunnies - Forever 21

Although I like to think I'm willing to take a risks in the style department, I decided at the beginning of 2013 that I would think even more outside the box in terms of my style comfort zone.

Colored denim has become a uniform for me all year round, which I love. But for spring, I'm trying printed pants for a little dimension.


Thinking of making the plunge to printed pants this spring? Here's my shopping advice:

• If you're going to invest in printed pants, make sure you love the print.
• And speaking of the print, consider what tops you have already before handing over the charge card. If you have to search for tops to pair them with, or buy tops just to match said pants - you're already in the hole.
• Budget wisely - I'd say no more than $30 for a pair of pants you'll wear minimally is fair. Besides, how many times in one month can you wear the same printed pants repeatedly? Consider what they're worth for your wardrobe.

Match Made in Heaven

Did I match what I wore so Harley and I could be twinsies? No... because I could never outdo Harley in the cool department. Even if I am wearing Jeffery Campbell shoes and a new brown leather skirt.

The saying that dogs and their owners sometimes have similar personalities, I think, is true. While the resemblance between myself and Harley isn't quite there, I think he's my doggie match personality-wise. 

He's a little nuts - I consider myself to be a reserved nut job with quirky tendencies. Our barks are most certainly bigger than our bites... but it's safe to not underestimate either in both cases. We love British anything. And, let's face it - we shiver when it's cold outside. 

Match made in heaven.

For the weekend, I'm headed to Baltimore for a soccer tournament. Never been to Maryland, but I'm looking forward to visiting another state, and maybe doing some touristy things too. I hear there's a lot of art museums, and the Hippodrome is there, too, so perhaps I'll swing by.


Now... what to pack? Definitely need to bring some sparkle!

Outfit Details: 

Striped Tunic worn as a top - H&M / Brown Faux Leather Skirt  - Forever 21

 Black Tights - Target / Jeffrey Campbell Evade shoes / Haute Under The Collar Necklace - c/o Sorrelli Jewelry / Leather Bow Bracelet - Henri Bendel

Birchbox March 2013 Review

When Birchbox approached me to review their March box, I was giddy with excitement. Who doesn't love getting all types of beauty goodness in the mail every month?!

If you're new to Birchbox, let me give you a little 411:

- For $10 a month, you can subscribe to receive a Birchbox sent to your door every month filled with various beauty samples.

- Each box has a range of lifestyle and beauty samples, including things like fragrance, lotion, makeup, nail polish, lipstick, hair accessories and more!
- Plus, you can buy the same samples in full size on their site, too.

Birchbox March 2013

The March Birchbox is bursting with beauty samples and extra shopping goodies to get you ready for spring. Themed as March Madness, the ladies at Birchbox want to help you celebrate the upcoming season with some of their favorite products, and introduce you to new ones as well. Plus, one of my favorite brands, Madewell, is getting in on the action in a special way!

Here's what was in my March Madness Birchbox:

• Caldrea Body Lotion - 3 samples

Three delicous scents in Tea Olive Lime, Aloe Water Apricot and Coconut Fig (my personal favorite). 

• Madewell for Birchbox Emery Board

Birchbox and Madewell have joined forces to bring you the best of spring so you can keep your wardrobe, and your nails, looking fresh. This adorable emery board features a garden-esque floral print taken from their Silk Cami Dress in Sungarden.  I'm all about anything that makes doing manis, and this nail file is it!

Plus, Birchbox subscribers will receive a unique code for $25 any $75+ purchase or more at Madewell! Double whammy!

• Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Color-Saver Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Color-Saver Paraben-Free Conditioner

I was tempted to hold out on using this product until I go on vacation, but it's lemoney scent and the fact that I have color-treated hair made it too tempting. This sulfate-free shampoo left my hair feeling revived. 

• MAKE Eyeshadow in Cement (a neutral grey perfect for highlighting)

An exclusive to Birchbox!  Not only was this tiny MAKE Eyeshadow in the most adorable and petite packaging ever, the story behind the makeup line is really inspiring.  

For every purchase of MAKE, one-third of all sales goes to the We SEE Beauty Foundation to fund business run, founded and operated by women. 

• MAKE Face Primer Broad Spectrum SPF30

Equally cute in size, MAKE's Face Primer Broad Spectrum SPF30 goes on smooth and absorbed into my skin quickly. A little bit goes a long way, and I noticed my makeup did stay in place longer than usual. I haven't used primer in months since I couldn't find one that actually did what the bottle claimed it would, but this MAKE's Primer is now in full-rotation as part of my daily beauty routine.

The verdict
Since these products and brands are new to me, I really loved the March Madness Birchbox! Being tipped off to new beauty products that I can welcome into my makeup kit is always a plus, and I think I'll probably be smelling a bit more delicious for spring due to my new samples.

Big love to Birchbox for sending me this fabulous kit!

Swarovski Tropical Paradise Giveaway with House Of Jeffers

Do you like sparkle? Have you found yourself daydreaming of warm weather, bright neons and beaches while shaking your fist at Mother Nature?

Then do I have a contest for you!

It appears as though I'm not the only one preparing for sunnier days. Drawing inspiration from the festive hills of Rio de Janeiro, gorgeous sunsets in Acapulco and the electric buzz of Miami Beach, Swarovski was inspired to create their Spring/Summer Tropical Paradise 2013 Collection that's bursting with vibrant colors called Tropical Paradise.

The results: a chic mix of fluorescent shades, tropical colors and floral and fauna in the form of dazzling pave stones and crystals. In other words - all the things you know Swarovski for... and then some. Check out even more in this video!

Swarovski invited me to indulge in a little Tropical Paradise myself with their Translucent Pendant... but unfortunately, Mother Nature wanted it to snow over the weekend so I did a little improvising indoors.

If you want to see this bedazzled beetle in person, the pendant is featured in the front windows of Swarovski's stores everywhere. 

Or, you can win one yourself! 

Enter to win a Translucent Pendant from Swarovski's Tropical Paradise collection!

Click this link and fill out an entry form! 

Rules:

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Contest ends Friday, March 22, 2013

Swarovski will select and notify a House Of Jeffers readers that they've won.

Good luck!

*House Of Jeffers received a Translucent Pendant necklace from Swarovski in regards to the contest. Swarovski will select a winner, notify a winner and ship out the prize as per their Official Rules as noted on the contest entry form. 

Madewell | House Of Jeffers | Short Hills Mall, NJ | Sunday, March 17

It appears as though myself and Madewell 1937 have something in common: We're both ready to beckon spring into our wardrobes. And what better way to do so with a shopping event!

I'm beyond giddy that my local Madewell store at The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey has invited me to help them unveil their new April collection and give some styling tidbits to customers!

WHEN: This Sunday, March 17, from 11- 3

WHERE: Madewell at The Mall at Short Hills (located on the second floor)

1200 Morris Turnpike

Short Hill, NJ

What: Join Madewell and House Of Jeffers for a styling session to find your perfect warm-weather outfit, see the new April collection, and test-drive a few new accessories!

What else: Special in-store promotions! Oh, and come and see me, too!

Hope to see you there!

Best Drugstore Lipsticks for Pink and Red Enthusiasts

I've received emails asking about the lipstick shades I wear on House Of Jeffers. While my m.o. is usually a bright pink or deep red, it might surprise you that I buy 99% of my lipstick at drugstores.

When it comes to experimenting with new lip shades, I don't go out and spend $21 on lipstick I tried on once at a makeup counter under unrealistic lighting. Waste of my money and time if you ask me.

And just because a big name brand boasts a good game, doesn't mean you're going to love the color any more.

My favorite drugstore lipsticks in pink and red will cost you under $10 or even less! Fashion on a budget!

1. NYC New York Color Ultra Last Lipwear - Blue Rose 405

Price: $1.99

NYC's Ultra Last Lipwear in Blue Rose is a bright, almost-fuchsia, pink that I've worn throughout the winter, fall and into the spring. Think traditional pink amped up with a touch of brightness along the lines of a subtle neon. I wear this color the most as it tends to compliment anything I'm wearing, and isn't overpowering as a pink (my Fashion Rules To Break: Neons For Fall post features this shade).

2. Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color - Red Revival 645

Price: $7 - $8

My go-to red, Maybelline's Color Sensational in Red Revival, has a rich pigment that you feel in it's application due to it's pure pigment. Red Revival leans more toward a darker red versus a pin-up red. Check out my She Wore Red post to see this color!

3. NYC New York Color Applelicous Glossy Lip Balm - Applelicous Pink 355

Price: $1.99

With a lip balm base infused with color, I like to swipe this sheer lip balm a couple of times so it's true color comes through. Plus, it smells yummy!

4. Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color - Shocking Coral 870

Price: $7 - $8

The name says it all: A bright orange mixed with pink for an ultra bright lipstick combination. When I wear this color, I tend to apply a little extra blush due to my fair skin. What I love about this color it's 80s nod to bright pinks.

5. Wet N Wild Lipcolor - Nouveau Rose/Pink 511B

Price: $2.99

Nouveau Rose by Wet N Wild is a traditional pink in every since. This lip color is what you think of when looking for a straight forward pink.

6. COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick - Vixen 

Price: $7.99

Talk about a two in one, COVERGIRL's Blast Flipstick lets you vary your lip color anytime with it's convenient duo shades in one tube. One shade is creamy, the other is shimmery. I've worn both shades, but I prefer the darker, almost mauve-like shade due to it's smooth finish.

How to Rock Your Favorite Band Tee

Being the obsessive avid fan of Maroon 5 and namely, Adam Levine, that I am, it shouldn't come as a shock that I own a Maroon 5 t-shirt. I bought it about two years ago when I had fourth row seats (I repeat, fourth row seats) to see Adam Levine sweat his way through a white v-neck tee during the summer. And at one time, I was actually a Maroon 5 Fan Club Member just so I could nab sweet pre-sale seats. Was it worth it? 

Ask yourself, is Adam Levine worth it?

Um... yeah. 

Besides for this t-shirt being very comfy, I get to add it to my collection of rock tees. One of my favorite ways to rock a v-neck tee is with a blazer. ANY tee looks good with a blazer.

So, how do I wear a shirt with a blazer? Two ways: For my look, I opted to keep it little more laid back with ankle boots, but, I'd wear this same outfit with a pair of black or red pumps. Just in case I happen to run into Adam by some chance. Just don't tell my husband I said that...

Outfit Details: 

Black Blazer - H&M / Maroon 5 V-Neck Tee / Black Skinny Pants / Black Ankle Boots - Primark UK / Just Fab Globetrotter Handbag - c/o / Henri Bendel Girlfriend Deluxe Beaded Wrap Bracelet / Gold Dome Ring - Forever 21

Blue Winter

Got the winter blues (and yes, the pun was on purpose)? I refuse to acknowledge its still winter . I'm ready to slip into clothes that celebrate everything spring... But, if you find yourself in a winter slump, there ways to brighten any winter look instantly with accessories or a signature piece.

My favorite way to punch winter in the face is with bright handbags. As you may know, my collection of pink handbags continues to grow... The Fluoro Cambridge Satchel I won at the IFB Conference, my Kate Spade New York Bond Street Florence... And now, this adorable Rebecca Minkoff mini satchel that I won at the South Moon Under grand opening party in Montclair. While we're all buried in winter coats, handbags let you give a sneak peek into the big outfit reveal!

I guess I'm pretty lucky when it comes to winning things now that I think about it. Wish some of that luck would spill over into other aspects of my life... like winning the lottery.

And yes, this is my "It's freezing. Take the damn photo already" pose.

Outfit Details:

Blue Lace Dress - Lulus.com / Black Tights - Target / Mary Jane Wedge Shoes - Office UK / 

Vintage Gold Buckle Bangle / Rebecca Minkoff Mini Blake Bag / MiMi x Sorrelli Gilded Lily Collection Necklace - c/o Sorrelli