Fashables.com Fashion Bloggers Trend Report

Head on over to Fashables.com and see my contribution to the Fall Fashion Bloggers Trend Report! I'm lucky enough to be featured alongside a bunch of lovely ladies and radical dudes (ok, Ryan from Fashables) who give their takes on their favorite fall trends!

I'll give you a hint, mine is in this photo....

Not Your Mother's Stemware

Fall doesn't mean just a changing of the season - it means time to buy shoes!

There's two things in life that make me do double takes. The first being Adam Levine with a five'o clock shadow (or without). And the second being a bargain. There's been moments during my shopping excursions where I literally had to price check myself after looking at a tag.

Here's some shoe options for fall, all under $100!

$59 for these Tinley Road - Greyne platforms on Piperlime? Has hell frozen over? Ridiculous bargain. I can't deny my love for a chunky boot to pair with skirts and dresses. These will do!

The loafer is getting a revival this Fall. Forget ruby red slippers, Dorothy would probably wear these if the Wizard of Oz had taken place in 2011. For $25.80, you can't go wrong with these Leatherette Tassel Heels from Forever 21. 

Boots with heels = best of both words.  I'm in favor of these Chelsea Crew Tokyo Boot from ShopRuche.com for $84.99. A little bit rugged with a touch of fem a la a stacked heel lets you get away with wearing these bad boys with practically everything.

This shape can be seen everywhere this year, putting a different spin on a traditional flat that looks more like a loafer. The Wink by DV by Dolce Vita, available at Zappos, will give any legging or jean a geek chic vibe. Price: $78.20.*

*Now, don't think I'd tease you with all these shoes and not give you something in return?

Especially for my readers: Get a VIP Membership from Zappos for FREE! VIP members enjoy perks such as free overnight shipping, expedited returns and an exclusive website and phone number for specialized customer service!

To sign up for your FREE VIP Membership at Zappos, just sign up by following this link: http://vip.zappos.com/simply-fab. This offer expires 9/30/2011, so get on it!

Dare To Be Different

Ever get that rush of excitement from getting a new dress or accessory? In this case, this handbag courtesy of Urban Expressions made me giddy!

Outfit:

Blush blazer - The Gap

Dolman sleeve top - Bloomingdales

Jeans - Forever 21

Quinn satchel - c/o of Urban Expressions (available at Lulus.com)

Granny shoes - Bakers

Turquoise and brass statement necklace - Forever 21

Arm Party - Spiked Bracelet from Forever 21; leather bracelet from The Gap

Quinn immediately struck me - as I own nothing of the color sort. I usually stick to basic black, but being that I'm trying to step outside my fashion box, I went with something a bit different. Okay, I know it's Fall, but I'm not waiting another season to rock this color. It's got a slue of compartments, doesn't get heavy when you load it up and is vegan friendly and PETA approved! 

While I might have gone a little overboard with the pink for this look, I had to wear my new blazer with it. Cost me $20 on sale at the Gap! I normally don't brag about my bargains, but seriously, major score!

Seriously, stop.

We've all seen it: Fashion "trends" or straight-up offenses that make you wonder what someone was thinking. 

I personally feel there are a plethora of fashion offenses that make me talk to myself out loud due to their heinousness and flat out jackass nature. 

So, I've decided to create a running feature on House Of Jeffers called Seriously, stop. where I'll bring you the best of the worst in fashion.

This week's offense: Socks with sandals.

Now, let's not get this confused with ladies wearing chic heels and cute ankle socks. That, I like.

Yay!

I'm speaking of the offense which usually occurs with the male species, but gals do it too. Seriously? Which one do you want to wear most? The socks or the sandals? If your feet are cold, wear shoes. If you feel like you need to air your dogs out, then sandals it is. But this whole tube sock thing with the flip flops, Adidas sandals, mandals really has to stop. You only have yourself to blame for the strange looks and undercover chuckles strangers are giving you behind your back.

Hmm... Looks like a good-looking guy. And wait for it.... Socks.
Nevermind.
Photo courtsey of http://www.schubertsays.com

Note to dudes: This look doesn't get you laid. Shocker... I know. The only people who are allowed to wear this look are infants, and I'm talking fresh out the womb babies...

And remember, friends don't let friends go out in public with socks and sandals on. Not even to the gym.

A Controlled Experiment: Color Me Pink

Even though it felt like we leapt over September and stepped into October with the cold weekend weather, I managed to squeeze in a day for shorts last week.

Outfit:

Kimono Cardigan - won via ShopSosie.com (similar style here)

Crewneck top - Gap

Pink shorts - Forever 21

Dany platform shoes - Jessica Simpson Collection

Leather satchel - Zara

Pyramid stud bracelets - Forever 21

Sparkling Sage Necklace - Ideeli.com, courtesy of my Lucky FABB credit!

Just like anyone else, I have my own style preferences. But entering fall, I'm trying to step outside my comfort zone in terms of color and pairing outfits that I might otherwise think wouldn't appeal to me. And this means experimenting with everything - from accessories to even my makeup. 

For example, wearing pink. I used to hate the color pink up until a couple years ago. I remember one Christmas, my mother bought me a pink turtleneck sweater. And you know when receive a gift you don't fancy, and you don't want to hurt their feelings so you attempt to fake an appreciative grin? That's what I tried to do, but instead, burst into tears at the thought of a.) a wearing turtleneck and b.) a pink one. (Keep in mind, I was 10.) Lucky for me, my mom is from the school of "if you don't like it, bring it back." 

Yet as I've grown older, I turn toward the cotton candy shade more frequently. Even the top I'm wearing, a dark wine, is becoming my favorite hue for Fall. And the kimono cardigan, I won through a contest on ShopSosie.com! I may not win the lottery, but I have luck when it comes to winning clothes for some reason. Let's hope my karma stays that way!

Blogger's Night Out - September 9, 2011

To top of the end of my fashion week experience, and after some uber delicious sushi with Sonia of In Pursuit Of Style, we attended the first annual Blogger's Night Out at Pranna, NYC. And since it was on the same day as the Nicole Miller show, that explains why I'm wearing the same outfit...

Organized by fellow bloggers (check out the official site for a who's who), the event brought together bloggers from across the states to convene and talk fashion, beauty and check out some unique vendors.

One of my favorites, Zoya, was on hand showcasing their new Fall 2011 collections, Smoke and Mirrors, the later of which I received in my gift bag. I'm already wearing Dree, a light green fatigue hue that's perfect for fall. 

Throughout the night, bloggers spun the wheel at Lulu's to win prizes or discount cards. A pair of boots I was hoping to win went to Andrea of Blonde Bedhead. To say I'm jealous is a bit of an understatement, but she's a doll so good for her!

For an inaugural event, it was awesome! It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and of course, throw a few back and mingle! We really need more events like this in the blogging community, and hopefully, this won't be the last time! 

Me and my girl Candy from Taylor and Demolish.

Myself and Nicole of Black Shoe Diary. 

I had some serious necklace envy of Sonia from In Pursuit Of Style. 

The lovely Nicolle Saylor.

Some of the BNO organizers: Caitlyn of Style Within Reach, Kendall of Kendall Donaldson, Marissa of Style Cusp and Christine of View From 5 Ft 2 

The Tiny Tie Rant's shoes. Fierce.

Nicole Miller Runway Show Spring 2012

Ever since I was young, I always wanted to go to a runway show. I think it's something any person who's in love with fashion wants to do. To experience it at Lincoln Center, and just in photographs.

Now, for some of you who've been to one, you'll probably say there's not much to runway shows, and they're over before you know it. And granted, that may be true. But for me, this year's New York Fashion Week allowed me the opportunity to attend my first runway show ever!

Outfit: 

Leopard print dress - Forever 21

Faux leather vest - Mandee

Platform peep toe heels - Nine West

Studded leather bag - Zara

Arm Party (starting from top to bottom)

Leather bracelet - H&M

Zebra bangle - Urban Outfitters

Brass-wrapped horn bangle - courtesy of Kora, find in my Lucky Fabb gift bag

Leather studded bracelet - The Gap

Rings - Forever 21 and a craft fair

Working in the fashion industry, I knew what to expect, but overall, the excitement of being able to attend a show and see it firsthand, was really memorable. 

The Nicole Miller show was a mixture of classic stripes and 80s mosaic patterns, and featured everything from spandex pants, to blazers outfitted with neon stripes ideal for a downtown biker girl with a touch of uptown appeal. The long and short of it: Skinny models walk the runway wearing clothing you'll eventually want/own, to a music soundtrack customized for the show. Celebrities flanked the front rows, and everyone has their iPhones, cameras, mobile devices clutched in their hands at the ready for pictures.

And I loved every minute of it.

Later that night, I attended the first ever Blogger's Night Out. Check back later for my recap of this amazing event!

Lucky FABB Conference - September 7, 2011

To kick start all the fashion week festivities, I attended the Lucky FABB conference on Wednesday. Completely exceeded my expectations. The nuggets of wisdom dispersed throughout panels focusing on working with brands, setting the trends and building a business has left me feeling like I'm achieved some sorta of blog zen.

Outfit:

Dress - French Connection, won from Stylecaster

Tribal necklace - Mandee

Shoes - Mandee

Spiked bracelets - Forever 21

Leather bracelet - Gap

A who's who of fashion and social media were in attendance, talking unapologetically about the fashion industry. Truth! And of course, bloggers from every state. While each panel was different, there was one blatant theme: remaining authentic as a blogger and brand. Without that, you might as well hang it up. 

"All women should have an identity outside of work," Diane von Furstenberg told the Lucky FABB bloggers in attendance, rocking Marilyn shoes from her own collection. Photo courtesy of Blonde Bedhead.

For me, seeing Diane von Furstenberg in all her fabulous glory was it. I already admired her as a designer, but to hear her give it to us straight and honest, it only made me respect her more. She's definitely someone to aspire to be like.

And while the perks of attending the event are great, being able to meet other bloggers from across the U.S. is the best part. Luckily, my friend Amy of Stylish Year was in attendance. We befriended Andrea of Blonde Bedhead and Tieka of Selective Potential - two dolls who are not only sweethearts, but their style is just as unique as their personalities. Be sure to check out there blogs!

Amy of Stylish Year and myself. Don't you just love her hat?

Me and Andrea of Blonde Bedhead. 

Lucky Executive Digital Editor, Lauren Sherman, moderated the "Brands & Bloggers Working Together" panel. Pictured left to right: Scott Galloway, Professor Of Marketing, NYU Stern; Found L2, Donna Noce Colaco, President of White House Black Market; Ann Watson, VP, Marketing & Communications for Club Monaco; and Kelly Framel, Founder of TheGlamourai.com

The Kardashian sisters said their grandmothers are their fashion heroes.

Saks Fifth Avenue Takes On FNO

Last night, I stayed local and took in all that New Jersey has to offer for Fashion's Night Out. Saks Fifth Avenue at The Mall at Short Hills extended an invite to me to check out their FNO festivities, which included food, beauty and makeup, and live music! And since I'm a local Garden Stater, I figured, why not?!

In addition to all the Fashion's Night Out festivities, the store was celebrating the launch of the B Brian Atwood shoe line at the store! I've seen them online (and they're beauties), but seeing them in person was even sweeter! Besides, you can never have enough shoes....

Customers were invited to view the newly launched collection located in the department store's Salon Shoes department, and strike a pose in their favorite B Brian Atwood shoes. Among the leather and suede pumps and wedges, the Edeline caught my eye. The rich wine-colored suede is strikingly bold in person, and the metal feature on the heel just adds to the major factor of this bootie.

I noticed that the Liese (pictured below) was a definite favorite among the crowd of fashionable shoppers. Can't say I blame them either - the metallic lurex the shoe is made from gives off a silvery-gold sparkle, while the cut-out ankle is something especially unique.

What I love about his shoes are their versatility in terms of texture, prints and styles. Even the interior of each shoe looks chic. You're bound to find your own personal shoe style among the collection - mine is a simple black pump with a chunky wooden heel. 

Of course I had to take a picture in front of the step-and-repeat wall!

*As per Federal Trade Commission guideslines, House Of Jeffers is required to disclose that this post was commissioned by Saks Fifth Avenue.