Recommended Reading For Fashionistas

Summers in New Jersey mean hitting the shore and for me, that means keeping occupied under the blaring heat. And while donning a cute bikini might be a prerequisite, so is summer reading. Admittingly, I have a hard time sitting still on the beach... I get bored very easily and if it's an exceptionally hot day, forget it. I'm done in two hours.

However, a good book can keep me glued in my place. If you're a blogger, and like soaking up fashion knowledge and culture, check out these books to add to your summer reading list!

The Satorialist by Scott Schuman

You love his blog, and envy the slue of people he's photographed, so why not take him with you to the beach? If you don't fancy reading books, but rather enjoy picture books, then pick this one up. It's more of a portable coffee table book filled with photos of fashionistas and wanna-bes alike.

From top to bottom: In Style

Valley Of The Dolls by Jacqueline Susann 

Nylon Street View - The New Nylon Book Of Global Style

Of course, a good magazine will do. I recommended In Style for its outfit-inspiring features and beauty tidbits, or Bust magazine for a dash of social commentary and their cover stories.

But back to books... Before Sex And The City, there was Valley Of The Dolls - the O.G. novel about three New York women struggling to make their way to the top during the 50s set around drugs, careers, fame and self destruction. I have yet to see the movie, or read this book, but it's high on my "To Read" list.

As for Nylon Street View, if you're into street style (just like The Satorialist), you'll want this book, which contains photos of stylin' people in major fashion capitals (such as New York, Tokyo and London), as well as local store favorites, quotes and websites. 

The Gospel According To Coco Chanel by Karen Karbo

What better way to get inspired than with a book that explores Coco Chanel's tenacity while giving readers practical life lessons? I'm sold!

Have a book suggestion? Leave it in the comments section!

Fashion & NJ - Is that an oxymoron?

When I heard there was a fashion show being held at the W Hotel in Hoboken, I had to check it out.

To make attending even more appealing, I met up with Jen from Society's Misfit, a fellow NJ fashion blogger who is such a sweetheart and has great style to boot! Mary of Shopglamarous.com also stopped by, and I also met Carla of Haute Cocktail as well! 

The New Jersey Fashion Week fashion show was inspired by vitaminwater, and featured five designers (Thomas LaVone, Liz Fields, Devon Thomas, Ralph Thurin and event winner Elena Vasilevsky) who created looks based off of their favorite color and flavor! 

I'll say the styles shown were definitely different from what I'm drawn to, but I can appreciate the creativity! And that pink dress (above) from Devon Thomas was gorgeous!

I wore my newly acquired Urban Outfitters dress that I nabbed for $20 bucks (on sale!). While I love the print, the hemline makes this dress so different from anything I own.

Outfit:

Tank dress - Urban Outfitters

Belt - Annie Sez

Shoes - Mandee

Bag - Mandee

Leather cuff

Photo by Society's Misfit

Photo by Society's Misfit

Lend Me Your Ears

Outfit:

Vest - Mandee

Striped Tank - Forever 21

Skinny Jeans - Urban Outfitters

Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West

Necklace - Mandee

For people who don't have one, blogging doesn't seem like a big deal. Sure, it's an online diary for all the read, but it takes time, creativity and effort. And I'm gunna be 100% honest when I say that I'm having a creative dry spell...

While yes, I post my outfits and daily musings, I'm thinking that I need to do something that my readers will enjoy. Some fun content....Then again, that's what some of you visit for - my outfits - and I'm 100% grateful for each and every one of you that takes time out of your day to visit House Of Jeffers. I think I just need to find some motivation and creativity, which can be hard when you live in an area that isn't known for its style and is recognized as the place where Jersey Shore is filmed. Some claim to fame, huh?

Has anyone else ever fell into this rut? How'd you get out of it?

I'm also turning to YOU for suggestions. What would you like to see here? Likes/dislkes? Lay it on me! Now that I have more time on my hands (a pro, but I think it's the con in this instance), I hope to give you more!

DIY - Friendship Bracelets Are Back!

I'm always on the lookout for accessories that I can wear all the time - and by that I mean become my wardrobe staples, no matter what I'm wearing. I have rings that I don everyday (such as my wedding rings, a oxidized wave ring I wear on my thumb and a Baby Vamps fang ring I purchased from Bittersweets NYC), but I'm constantly seeking new pieces of jewelry to add to my daily collection. And as of late, I'm on a bracelet kick... mostly, braided and friendship ones.

While the traditional thread type are still popular, many are now made of leather, rhinestones or both, which appeals to an older audience. I'm loving these because they are super lightweight, don't break the bank and can be worn stacked!

 $7.80 Forever21.com

 $36.00 Jcrew.com

$10.00 Madwell.com

However, as much as I love that these bracelets are making a revival, I figured I can be a bit more thrifty and do them myself. No need to go overboard buying a plethora of bracelets that will probably end up sitting in a jewelry box... and then feel guilty for not wearing them. Besides, I'm more prone to wear something I made because effort was involved...

I used to make the old school friendship bracelet kind as a kid, so I headed to the craft store and bought a bunch of skeins for a little DIY project... Youtube has a gaggle of tutorials if you're feeling crafty. The videos I watched and used as a guide are here and here.

Bare in mind, I haven't made these in more than 15 years, so they may look a bit... homemade. The two on the far left were a la me. Thee braided purple one is my new fav, which I bought at Madewell during my trip to Philly. Can't wait to throw on some neon nail polish and rock some more!

Rebecca Minkoff Resort 2012 Collection Preview

All photos courtesy of RebeccaMinkoff.com

On Thursday, I was invited to a blogger preview with the gals of the NYC Fashion Bloggers Meetup Group to view Rebecca Minkoff's upcoming Resort 2012 collection in her awe-inspiring showroom.

Outfit:

Racerback Tank - Urban Outfitters

Skirt - I'm Your Present 

Platform Wedges - Nine West

Norma Bracelet - Erica Weiner Jewelry

As a fan of her previous work, I couldn't wait to see what the style maven created! We'll have to wait a little big longer to stock our closets with this line as it doesn't hit stores until later this year, but if I had to describe it in one word: Chic.

Lush leathers featuring a bright color palette, as well as traditional black leather, sets off her fine-detailed handbag collection. Classic styles will get an upgrade in the form of modern hardware and through python accents, which can also be found in her shoes, as well.

This look is my favorite. Love the pop of color!

As for the clothes, I want it all! Everything from feminine lace to biker jackets and uber cute shorts, this collection has something for every woman! The girls and I were eyeing up this printed dress and a laser-cut jacket (shown below).

I'm glad to see colors coming back in a big way. While it's nice to have wardrobe staples in basic colors, Rebecca went bold in turquoise and persimmons with a 70s vibe - one of my favorite fashion eras.  Can't wait to rock these looks!

NYC Fashion Bloggers Picnic

From left to right: Pam, Me, Preity, Yanil, Monroe, Nike, Janique, Candy, Cynthia, Jerrica

Last Sunday, the ladies of the NYC Fashion Bloggers Meetup Group got together in Central Park to kick back, relax and eat!

Finding this group, and meeting so many lovely bloggers has been so important to me. The ladies in the group each have their own unique sense of style, but regardless of our favorite designers, our love of blogging brings us together - and it's always a fun time! It was great to see Pam of Cinderella's Closet, Candy of Taylor & Demolish, group organizer Monroe of FashionSteeleNYC and Yanil of TheNewYorkerStyle - plus, I got to meet some new members and get to know others who I don't see very often. If you live in NY or NJ, you definitely want to be part of this fun!

Preity  of Fashion Solace and Pam of Cinderella's Closet

Yanil of TheNewYorkerStyle, new members Nike and Preity

Monroe (at center), did an amazing job of getting this meetup together! You go girl!

Monroe, the group's organizer, did an awesome job of rounding up the gals and bringing lots of goodies for everyone.

So glad I found this group. Not only are these ladies awesome bloggers, but I'm happy to call them my friends as well!

This is the dress I wore - just a fancier photo of me wearing it!

Outfit:

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Belt - H&M

Cork Wedges - Forever 21

Necklace - Forever21

All You Need Is Love

One sight I wanted to see in person during my trip to Philly was the LOVE Statue. Designed by Robert Indiana in 1976, the statue is located in Love Park near JFK Plaza. I knew there was a replica in NYC but had yet to see one up close. I couldn't leave without a few shots of this iconic piece of art.

Sitting among the statue were people seeking refuge from the heat, dipping their feet in the spouting fountain among the plaza. The atmosphere surrounding the park was filled with smiles as couples stepped up to the statue to take a photo together... a fitting gesture.

Outfit:

Purple racerback tank - Madewell

Grey skirt - Forever21

Gladiator sandals - Target

Bag - Primark

While taking some pictures, mist from the water sprayed in the air - and I couldn't help but feel a little silly, but in a good way. Although this may just be a piece of art to some, for me it a reminder to celebrate the things and people I love. And now, I get to have fun memories of my trip to Philly - especially the time I stood by LOVE... with my love.

My Best Rocky Impression

Sorry for the lack of updates lovies, my iMac was on the fritz... so these posts are coming a little late. I should have one more Philly most this week, and then it's back to business.

One of the funnest parts of my weekend trip to Philly was running the stairs just like Rocky Balboa. And don't think I was the only tourist who did it either.

Yup, those famous stairs lead the way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  I tried convincing my husband to do so, but no mas. Since I have no shame, I had no problem running the stairs. Besides, now I can say that I've run the stairs that Rocky did... Twice!

View from the top of the museum's steps.

While I didn't go inside, there was an exhibit on Tailoring Philadelphia: Tradition and Innovation in Menswear. It runs till July 3.

"Adriaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!"

House Of Jeffers, party of 2, visits Philadelphia - Day 1

Hey ya'll! Hope you had a fab Memorial Day Weekend!

For the weekend, my hubby and I headed to Philadelphia for a soccer tournament - which gave me an excuse to do "research" for my blog (i.e. go shopping). I've been there before, but this time I really fell in love with the city.

This was my go-to shopping outfit for Day 1. Surprisingly, the shoes were extremely comfortable!

Outfit:

Striped dress - Urban Outfitters

Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West

Bag - gift from my mom

Nail polish - IM Beauty (Yellow) Sephora by OPI

On a mission to find the best shopping in town, we browsed South Street but was disappointed... It's a cool place to take in, but didn't get any shopping accomplished.

Prior to our trip, I came across SmakParlour.com - an adorable shop located on Market Street that boasts uber girly dresses and accessories with a rock n'roll feel. One look at their site, and I knew I had to go in person.

Along the way, we stopped at Doggie Style, a pet store filled with pet goodness. Of course, I bought something for Harley.

I found SmakParlour, but just as I was about to enter, a pretty girl, who I didn't know at the time was Katie, one half of the owners, put a note on the door saying they were closing early at 5 p.m., and it was 4:58 p.m.

I must have had a pitiful look on my face because she unlocked the door and said, "You know what, come on in!"

I really can't thank her enough for doing that for me. It just goes to show you that there are really nice people out there, and while it was one stop on my trip, I'm so glad I was able to shop there. The girls let me try on a bunch of dresses and didn't rush me at all while I took my time trying on clothes and baubles. I ended up walking out with an adorable, retroish yellow sleeveless dress! Can't wait to show it off!

With bag in tow, we walked the surrounding blocks in Old City and stumbled upon Betsy Ross' house on Arch Street. While what she's known for isn't so much fashion related, she did sew together the first American Flag. Pretty cool though... Check out her house. Right in the middle of shopping... Lucky girl.

Another shop I read about was Topstitch Boutique. Lauded as one of the best stores in town, it's a mixture of jewelry, clothing and accessories featuring local designers, and was the design studio for owner Linda Smyth's jewelry lines Fleathers, earrings made from recycled leather and Rabid Fox, a menagerie of animalwares in the form of gold and metals. The store's layout was a mix of vintage beauty meets modern flair, with it's jewelry uniquely displayed throughout. I wasn't alone in my admiration of Topstitch's offerings - it was packed, and every gal in the store had something in their hand.

While the store was closing Saturday, (unbeknowst to me), you can still get your fix on their website and by visiting her Etsy shop.

Philly really has so much to offer for the niche shopper - you just gotta know where to look. Market Street is def. the place to be. If I had more time, I probably could have done some more damage... There's always next time.